Melmond and the Cavern of Earth
With the canal now open, we’re free to sail beyond the inner sea. This chapter has 18 bestiary entries and 28 chests. Our first stop is Melmond.
Sailing to Melmond
From Mount Duergar, walk to the port where you docked your ship and sail west across the sea until you reach the far continent. Pass the small island mid-sea and dock at the port on the western shore.
Melmond Town
Shops
Talk to the townsfolk and they’ll fill you in on the Vampire. Rest at the Inn and visit the shops before heading to the cavern. The Level 5 spells are 4,000 Gil each so you probably can’t afford them all on your first visit. Prioritize Curaga and Firaga.
Once you’ve rested and visited the shops, exit Melmond.
Cavern of Earth
Head west from Melmond and south through a narrow strip of land between mountains. The entrance to the cavern sits at the base of the northern mountain range.
The cavern has 5 floors. We’ll only explore the top 3 on this first run. There are 16 chests on these floors, many guarded by monsters.
New Enemies
The video below covers the full path from B1 through to B3, hitting every chest along the way.
B1. Top right of the map has a room with a lone chest containing 1,975 Gil. Southwest, another room holds 880 Gil and a Potion. To the right of that room, two more chests with 795 Gil and an Antidote. Every chest here except the 880 Gil is guarded. Return to the start and go right to find stairs down to B2.
B2. Mid-south you’ll find a room with 3 chests; an Earth Elemental guards the entrance. Inside are a Leather Shield, 575 Gil, and 5,000 Gil. The room in the top right corner has a Coral Sword, a Tent, and 330 Gil. Take the stairs on the mid-right side to reach B3.
B3. Follow the path to a small room on the right with a Sleeping Bag inside. Continue north, then take the first right heading south to find a guarded Gold Needle. Head back north and go left for 3,400 Gil in the next room. Skip the top-left corner; head south and take a right for a guarded 1,020 Gil. The southern path leads to the Vampire.
How to Beat Vampire
Grab the Star Ruby from the chest behind the Vampire and exit the dungeon.
Getting the Earth Rod
With the Star Ruby in your possession, head north from the cavern and immediately west until you find a cave entrance.
New Enemies
Inside Giant’s Cave, a titan blocks the passage. Hand over the Star Ruby and he’ll let you through.
Walk south to find four treasure chests: Mythril Helm, 450 Gil, 620 Gil, and a Great Axe.
Exit north through the back of the cave and follow the path south around the mountains to another cave entrance. This is the Sage’s Cave. Speak with Sarda; he’ll reward you with the Earth Rod for defeating the Vampire and task you with killing the Fiend deeper in the cavern.
Return to the Cavern
Return to Melmond, rest at the Inn and pick up any spells and armor you couldn’t afford earlier. Exit Melmond and make your way back to the room where you defeated the Vampire. On the right side, there’s a sealed door; interact with it and the Earth Rod opens the way to stairs leading down to B4.
B4. Two treasure rooms. The north room has five chests: 5,450 Gil, 1,520 Gil, a Staff, 3,400 Gil, and 1,455 Gil. Four of them are guarded by Sphinxes. The southwest room holds a Tent, 1,250 Gil, and a Mythril Shield. All three are guarded too.
B5. Head north, take the first left, and follow the path south to the boss room. Save before stepping in.
How to Beat Lich
Lich is the first of four Fiends. Heal up and restore as much MP as you can before the fight. A story trophy unlocks the moment he falls.
Step into the portal behind the crystal to warp out of the cavern instantly. Back in Melmond, rest at the Inn and stock up. Our next stop is Crescent Lake.